Formal Hair Updos & Styles

Creating a formal updo hairstyle to suit you isn't always easy - how do you choose which is the right one for your face shape, hair length, and style?

Updos are ideal for formal events looking both elegant and glamorous. The most common formal hairstyles, the ones that look fabulous are a bun, a curved straight style and barrel curls. Read on to find out how to create these styles.

Long Hair Styles

For 2008, curls are IN! You can enjoy wearing your hair down, enhance curly hair and add products to give it extra hold.

Of course, if you prefer the Sedu or Solia straightened hair look, you can create a classic look that will be great in any photos and compliments any dress. Dress your look up with some great accessories, a necklace and earrings can work wonders in completing your "look".

Curly & Formal

Wondering if it's possible to combine curls and a more formal look? Check out Catherine Zeta Jones on the red carpet or Liz Hurley and go for big curls, plenty of shine and volume, great make-up and a big smile!

You can create these great curls very easily at home with some straighteners, tongs or rollers.

Fitting your face shape

Finding a bridal or prom hairstyle to suit your face shape can be really challenging so here are a few tips:

Heart - the length from temple to temple is larger than the distance of you jaw line.
Your best formal hairstyle is one with a side parting, with a small side fringe. To gently curl your hair, and blow dry it so that it has some volume would be great to soften the lines of your face, and show off its romantic side. See pictures of Reese Witherspoon or Christina Ricci for more ideas.

Round - your face is as wide as it is long, however it may vary slightly.
Your hair will look great taken away from your face, in a gentle updo, or perhaps pulled back with some grips. Your face shape can greatly accentuated with longer hair styles. You could try to match the colour of your dress in a cute hair band that will look simple, cute and yet formal. Look to Kate Winslet and Kirsten Dunst to inspire you.

Oval - Similar length across each area of your face, with a rounded hairline on your forehead.
Most hairstyles look good on an oval face shape, and pulling your hair back from your face looks great. Try to avoid a heavy fringe as this will effectively 'hide' your face, instead try a soft side fringe. For style ideas look to Mariah Carey, Cindy Crawford and Julia Roberts.

Square - Your face is as wide as it is long, with your jaw line and temple line of similar width 
Curls will look great on your face, adding a softer edge. Try to avoid styles that are too straight, so add some curl into your hair by using some curling tongs or rollers. Or try out a curved straight look, by gently turning your straighteners inwards by a very small amount, this creates a very Jennifer Aniston look. Celeb styles to copy are Demi Moore, Mandy Moore and Sandra Bullock.

Videos of how to create formal looks on a budget

Madeleine Merced shows how to shop for your dress :-

Gallery of Formal Updos

Check out pics of formal hairstyles & updo styles at our Picture Gallery